The Palm Beach-based organization is raising awareness about the importance of spaying and neutering pets to promote animal welfare
PALM BEACH, FL – The American Humane Society is pleased to recognize February as Spay and Neuter Awareness Month, an annual initiative dedicated to raising awareness about the critical role spaying and neutering play in controlling pet overpopulation, improving animal welfare, and ensuring the health and well-being of pets across the country.
“By choosing to spay or neuter your pet, you’re making a powerful commitment to your pets’ health and happiness—these procedures reduce the risk of certain cancers and improve their overall well-being,” said Dr. Robin Ganzert, president and CEO of American Humane Society. “This month, we encourage handlers to join us in creating a brighter future for their beloved animals while easing the burden on shelters overwhelmed by the growing number of stray animals.”
Spay and Neuter Facts:
· Prevents Overpopulation: More than 3 million pets are euthanized in U.S. shelters every year, many due to overpopulation. Spaying and neutering can significantly reduce these numbers.
· Health Benefits: Spaying female pets before their first heat cycle can reduce the risk of uterine infections and breast cancer, while neutering male pets can reduce the risk of testicular cancer and prostate issues.
· Improved Behavior: Neutering can help decrease aggression and territorial behaviors, while spaying eliminates the risk of heat-related behaviors.
How You Can Get Involved:
· Schedule a spay or neuter appointment for your pet with a local veterinarian.
· Participate in community programs offering low-cost spay/neuter services.
· Support organizations that provide resources and funding for spay/neuter initiatives.
For more information on the American Humane Society, please visit americanhumane.org.
About American Humane Society
With offices in Palm Beach, FL and Washington, D.C., American Humane Society is the United States’ first national humane organization and the world’s largest certifier of animal welfare, helping to verify the humane treatment of more than one billion animals across the globe each year. Founded in 1877, American Humane Society has been at the forefront of virtually every major advancement in the humane movement to rescue, care for and protect animals. For more information or to support our life-changing work, visit AmericanHumane.org, follow on Facebook, X, Instagram, and YouTube for latest breaking news and features about the animals with whom we share our Earth.
South Florida (January 23, 2025)—With Valentine’s Day on the horizon, these South Florida restaurants have planned special dinners or menu options to help create a romantic evening.
City Oyster and Sushi Bar
Celebrating 25 years in Delray Beach, City Oyster serves fresh seafood delivered and prepared daily, a full sushi bar and a rotating selection of fresh oysters from the East and West Coast. On Valentine’s Day, the restaurant will offer one sushi special, the French Kiss Roll ($42), loaded with shrimp tempura, cream cheese, jalapeno and Masago, wrapped in soy paper; one special entrée, Lobster Risotto, ($68) with English Peas and 8oz Maine lobster tail, topped with a lobster claw; and one special fish, Crab Stuffed Flounder ($52), complete with truffle hollandaise sauce and served with potatoes and broccolini. Finally, those with a sweet tooth can try the special dessert, Salted Caramel Tart ($12).
City Oyster is located at 213 E. Atlantic Ave., Delray Beach. For more information, call (561) 272-0220 or visit cityoysterdelray.com.
Le Colonial
Le Colonial, the acclaimed French-Vietnamese restaurant located on Atlantic Avenue in Delray Beach, will offer a prix fixe menu this Valentine’s Day. For $125 per person, guests will enjoy one small plate or raw bar selection, such as Ca Song, spicy yellowfin tuna tartare; one large plate, such as Bo Luc Lac, a flavorful shaking beef dish that has been featured on Le Colonial’s menu since 1993; and a featured dessert. Beer, wine, and cocktails will be available for an additional cost.
Le Colonial is located at 601 E. Atlantic Ave., Delray Beach. For more information, call (561) 566-1800 or visit lecolonialdelray.com.
Galley at Hilton West Palm Beach
Galley, the cozy, downtown hotspot located within Hilton West Palm Beach, will showcase a three-course prix fixe menu this Valentine’s Day ($95 per person). For starters, guests will have a choice between a fresh Bay Burrata Salad or the Galley Shrimp Cocktail; entrée options include Pan-Seared Sea Bass or the Land & Sea, which features dry-aged ribeye and garlic prawns; and the featured dessert is Raspberry Coconut Cremoso.
Galley is located within Hilton West Palm Beach, at 600 Okeechobee Blvd., West Palm Beach. For more information, call (561) 231-6000 or visit hiltonwestpalmbeach.com.
Lemongrass Asian Bistro
Guests can enjoy Valentine’s Day shopping and dining all in one at The Mall at Wellington Green! One of the mall’s onsite restaurants, Lemongrass Asian Bistro, boasts an extensive menu, full of fresh and flavorful dishes. Tables of two should try sharable plates from the sushi bar, such as the Sashimi Nachos ($18), loaded with tuna, salmon, avocado, cilantro, seaweed salad, red onions, spicy aioli and jalapenos over crispy wonton chips. Diners can also indulge in refreshing selections from Lemongrass’s cocktail, wine, sake, and beer menus.
Lemongrass Asian Bistro within the Mall at Wellington Green, at 10312 Forest Hill Blvd., Wellington. For more information, call (561) 823-2371 or visit lemongrassasianbistro.com/wellington.
Moody Tongue Sushi at Hilton West Palm Beach
Moody Tongue, the Michelin Starred Omakase experience and brewery, recently opened its first Florida location at Hilton West Palm Beach. Under the direction of acclaimed Brewmaster Jared Rouben and Executive Sushi Chef Hiromi Iwakiri, the restaurant features a 15-course omakase menu, complete with innovative beer pairings. On February 14and 15, Chef Hiromi will present a few indulgent specials, such as a Wagyu Uni Handroll, in celebration of the holiday. The Valentine’s Day omakase experience will be offered for $195 per guest.
Moody Tongue is located within Hilton West Palm Beach, at 600 Okeechobee Blvd., West Palm Beach. For more information, call (561) 494-9650 or visit hiltonwestpalmbeach.com.
Novecento
In celebration of Valentine’s Day, Novecento, a recently opened Argentinian-inspired restaurant in Delray Beach, will offer a special prix fixe menu “For 2,” from February 14 through February 16. The menu includes two appetizers, two entrees, and one dessert for $95++ per couple. Starter options include dishes such as Burrata, with pistachio herb oil, Maldon salt, heirloom tomatoes and sourdough bread; main course selections include Pan-Seared Chicken, Salmon, Wagyu Denver Steak and more. Finally, two decadent dessert options will be available: Tiramisu Brûlée and Todo Chocolate.
Novecento Delray Beach is located at 116 N.E. Ave., Delray Beach. For more information, call (561) 450-6101 or visit novecento.com.
Elisabetta’s Ristorante
Elisabetta’s offers refined Italian cuisine by Chef Lisabet Summa. Both Elisabetta’s locations, in Delray Beach and West Palm Beach, will offer enticing specials, including Insalata ($14), with provolone, fava bean, haricot verts, and black truffle vinaigrette; Brodo di Pesce ($33), a lobster tomato bisque featuring shrimp, clams and mussels; Wagyu Flank Steak Rotolo ($44), with pesto and a sides of fingerling potatoes and broccolini; and Sicilian Lemon Tart ($12), with whipped cream and raspberry sauce.
Elisabetta’s is located at 32 E. Atlantic Ave., Delray Beach; and 185 Banyan Blvd., West Palm Beach. For more information, call (561) 560-6699 (Delray Beach) or (561) 342-6699 (West Palm Beach) or visit elisabettas.com.
Louie Bossi’s Ristorante
Chef Louie Bossi has created specials just for Valentine’s including Burrata Toast with Sicilian pesto, tomato jam and aged balsamic ($19); Macaroni with spicy vodka sauce, peas prosciutto crisp and parmesan Reggiano ($29); Braised Short Rib with ricotta gnocchi and wild mushroom marsala sauce. The Valentine’s Day dessert special is Cioccolato Delizioso with crema di pistachio ($14).
Louie Bossi’s is located at 100 E. Palmetto Park Rd., Boca Raton; and 1032 E. Las Olas Blvd., Fort Lauderdale. For more information, call (561) 336-6699 (Boca Raton) or (954) 356-6699 (Fort Lauderdale) or visit louiebossiristorante.com.
Josie’s Ristorante
Josie’s Ristorante offers fresh Italian fare in a newly renovated location in East Boynton Beach. Lovebirds will enjoy shareables like the Shrimp Bada Bing ($17), tempura shrimp, served in a Thai chili sauce; Josie’s Calamari ($19), crispy shrimp and calamari, served with cherry peppers and scampi sauce; and 16” Sicilian Pizzas ($24+). Josie’s will also offer signature desserts, like its famous Sixteen Layer Chocolate Cake ($16), as well as dessert cocktails like the Tiramisu Martini ($14) and the Chocolate Martini ($14).
Josie’s Ristorante is located at 650 E. Woolbright Rd., Boynton Beach. For more information, call (561) 364-9601 or visit josiesristorante.com.
Cornell Café at Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens
Overlooking a private lake and zen gardens, the celebrated Pan-Asian restaurant located at the Morikami Museum, will offer Valentine’s Day lunch specials on February 14. Cornell Café will offer favorites like teriyaki salmon ($23), crispy pork ($17), spicy tuna roll ($12) and Unagi Don ($20). For dessert, guests can enjoy a sumptuous slice of green tea cheesecake ($8) followed by a romantic stroll around the gardens.
Museum admission is required to visit the restaurant. Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens is located at 4000 Morikami Park Rd., Delray Beach. For more information, call (561) 495-0233 or visit morikami.org.
Nearly 600 Community Cats Received Free Surgeries!
WEST PALM BEACH, FL (January 21, 2025) On January 11, 2025, the Peggy Adams Animal Rescue League hosted its first free Spay Day of the year for community cats. This one-day TNVR (Trap Neuter Vaccinate Return) event significantly impacted the lives of outdoor cats and helped prevent pet overpopulation, resulting in a total of 589 cats being sterilized. The TNVR program involves humanely trapping free-roaming cats, spaying or neutering them, vaccinating them against rabies and other feline viruses, ear-tipping them for identification, and then returning them to their outdoor homes.
The TNVR Spay Day was a massive community event that brought together over 250 people to ensure its success. It was a collaborative effort, involving 14 veterinarians and 10 veterinary students working alongside 52 veterinary nurses and support staff to perform lifesaving surgeries. Additionally, 102 volunteers assisted at various stations throughout the event, including check-in, surgery preparation, instrument sterilization, cat and trap organization, recovery, and more, all while working alongside the staff from Peggy Adams.
The teamwork doesn’t end there – countless trappers from all over Palm Beach County worked hard to humanely trap as many cats as possible over two days. This diverse group included over 100 first-time and veteran trappers who dropped off their community cats for surgeries and then returned the cats safely back to where they were found.
“Thank you to everyone who participated in this important TNVR Spay Day,” said Sue Berry, CEO of Peggy Adams Animal Rescue League. “Completing 589 spay/neuter surgeries on community cats is an incredible achievement that will have a lasting impact on the lives of many free-roaming cats in Palm Beach County. This effort will help control population growth and reduce the number of homeless kittens entering our shelters.” Berry also extended a special thanks to the BISSELL Pet Foundation’s Fix the Future Program for assisting Peggy Adams in recruiting additional veterinarians for Spay Day.
TNVR has been shown to be the least costly, most effective, and humane way of stabilizing and decreasing community cat populations. This program is particularly important right now because Kitten Season is approaching here in South Florida. This unique time occurs from early spring through late fall when cats give birth to countless kittens. Kitten Season creates a strain on shelters, including Peggy Adams, due to the hundreds of newborn and young kittens coming into their programs.
Peggy Adams Animal Rescue League offers free TNVR services for community cats Monday-Friday, year-round. Learn more about TNVR services and Spay Days at peggyadams.org/tnvr
For more information about TNVR, future spay day events, fostering animals in need, and to donate to help fund these services, please visit PeggyAdams.org
About Peggy Adams Animal Rescue League:
Peggy Adams Animal Rescue League is an independent nonprofit organization, operating continuously since 1925. Peggy Adams provides critical services to more than 35,000 animals each year and collaborates with local area organizations to expand the lifesaving work in Palm Beach County.
Peggy Adams Animal Rescue League has a 4-star rating from Charity Navigator, America’s largest independent charity evaluator. For more information and to donate, please visit PeggyAdams.org.
WEST PALM BEACH, FL– (January 21, 2025) Vita Nova will host its Eighth Annual Mallets & Martinis on March 29, 2025, at the National Croquet Center in West Palm Beach. This annual affair is the nonprofit’s signature fundraising event to raise money to support the homeless youth Vita Nova serves in Palm Beach County and go directly towards Vita Nova’s Housing Program and Independent Living Services.
Beginning at 6:00 pm, guests of Mallets & Martinis will experience an exciting evening under the palms featuring croquet, martinis, and live music. Guests, who are encouraged to wear “Chic Croquet Whites,” will also have the opportunity after dinner to bid on unique live auction items and dance the night away.
Serving close to 700 youth annually in Palm Beach County, Vita Nova is a safe bridge to independence for former foster care, LGBTQ, and other homeless youth through supportive housing, education, employment, and life skills training. Working to eliminate homelessness for youth ages 18 to 25 years old in Palm Beach County, Vita Nova acts as an advocate and support system for homeless young adults.
Chairs are Dr. Vassillia Binensztok and Michael Davis.
Sponsors to date include Florida Power & Light, Valley Bank, Sunshine Health, PBCHRC, BrandX, Searcy, Denney, Scarola, Barnhart & Shipley, FAU-Christine E. Lynn College of Nursing, and Palm Beach Illustrated.
Tickets to Mallets & Martinis are $275 each. To learn more, become a sponsor, and/or purchase tickets, visit vitanovainc.org/Mallets-Martinis or call 561.472.4809.
About Vita Nova:
Vita Nova is a safe bridge to independence for former foster care, LGBTQ, and other homeless youth through supportive housing, education, employment, and life skills training. Vita Nova, Inc, located in West Palm Beach, Florida, is comprised of three components: the Spot, Housing (The Village), and Independent Living.
Vita Nova means “new life” in Latin and was founded by Father Leo Armbrust, a man who believed that foster youth deserved a better quality of care. Through the efforts of the Vita Nova team members, its volunteers, and its benefactors, older foster and homeless youth are allowed to lead lives characterized by independence, self-determination, and personal responsibility.
To learn more about Vita Nova or to donate, visit vitanovainc.org or call 561.689.0035
(West Palm Beach, FL – January 21, 2025) – Mounts Botanical Garden of Palm Beach County is excited to welcome award-winning author, wildlife photographer, and conservationist Kirsten Hines for a captivating presentation and book signing at the Garden on Saturday, February 1, 2025. This special event will inspire local naturalists, conservationists, and eco-minded photographers to discover Florida’s hidden wildlife wonders.
“Kirsten Hines inspires others to be active ambassadors in creating greenways to protect our state’s natural treasures,” says Mounts Botanical Garden Executive Director James May. “Her insights into how Florida animals live provide a window into how we can find hidden wonders even in our own backyards.”
EVENT DETAILS:
Date: Sat., Feb. 1, 2025
Time: 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
Location: Mounts Botanical Garden
Cost:
$5 for members
$25 for nonmembers (includes full Garden admission)
EVENT OVERVIEW – WILD FLORIDA: AN ANIMAL ODYSSEY WITH KIRSTEN HINES
Florida is home to an astonishing array of wildlife, from alligators and panthers to fireflies and rare snakes. But did you know it also has crocodiles, bears, and more species of fireflies than any other state? Or that a tiny lizard swims through Central Florida’s ancient sand dunes, a red widow spider hides in palmettos, and wild flamingos—common two centuries ago—are reappearing? Join Kirsten Hines as she takes audiences on a visual and descriptive journey from the temperate Panhandle through the state’s diverse habitats to the tropical islands of Dry Tortugas National Park. Through breathtaking photography and expert storytelling, Hines will explore Florida’s incredible array of animals as captured in her gold-medal-winning book, Wild Florida: An Animal Odyssey.
BOOKS AVAILABLE FOR PURCHASE & SIGNING:
Birds of Florida (2024)
Wild Florida: An Animal Odyssey (2023)
Attracting Birds to South Florida Gardens (2014)
ABOUT KIRSTEN HINES
Kirsten Hines is an award-winning author, wildlife photographer, and conservationist with a master’s degree in biology. She has authored eight books on Florida’s nature and history, with her images featured in public art programs, photography showcases, and exhibitions. Through storytelling, wildlife-oriented presentations, and conservation advocacy, she inspires audiences to take action in preserving Florida’s diverse ecosystems. She also co-founded Phoebes Birding, connecting women through nature, and serves as Conservation Chair on the Audubon Florida board.
Kirstin Hines Florida Book Awards:
Gold Medal for Visual Arts
Florida Authors and Publishers Association, Sunshine State Award
Florida Authors and Publishers Association President’s Book Awards
Gold Medal for Science/Nature
National League of American Pen Women, Inc., Marjorie Davies Roller Nonfiction Award
EXPLORE MOUNTS BOTANICAL GARDEN
Mounts Botanical Garden is open to the public Tuesday through Sunday from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM (last entry at 3:00 PM).
Admission:
$20 for adults
$18 for seniors, college students, and military with IDs
$13 for ages 6-17
FREE for children under 6, Mounts members, and RAP (reciprocal program) members
Location: 531 North Military Trail, West Palm Beach, FL 33415
CURRENTLY ON EXHIBIT: RIBBIT THE EXHIBIT II BY ARTIST ANDY COBB
Back by popular demand, this collection of 18 larger-than-life, whimsical frog sculptures is on display throughout the Garden. Handcrafted by artist Andy Cobb, these sculptures create playful and imaginative explorations of amphibians while offering engaging programming about real frogs and their vital role in the ecosystem.
EXPLORE MOUNTS ANYTIME, FROM ANYWHERE WITH FREE MOBILE GARDEN GUIDE
Can’t visit in person? Explore Mounts Botanical Garden from anywhere in the world with the Mobile Garden Guide, available free via Bloomberg Connects. This multimedia app features interactive maps, exhibition highlights, and exclusive photo, audio, and video content to enhance the visitor experience. Learn more and download: www.mounts.org/mobile-garden-guide.
ABOUT MOUNTS BOTANICAL GARDEN OF PALM BEACH COUNTY
With a mission to inspire and educate through nature, Mounts Botanical Garden is Palm Beach County’s oldest and largest botanical garden. Spanning 20 acres, the Garden features an acclaimed collection of 25 unique garden areas with more than 7,000 species of tropical and sub-tropical plants, including Florida natives, exotic fruit trees, palms, and bromeliads. Mounts Botanical Garden is part of the Palm Beach County Cooperative Extension Department, in partnership with the University of Florida and the non-profit Friends of Mounts Botanical Garden.
WELLINGTON, FL – A landmark charity event of the polo community is back. On Friday, March 7th, the 10th Annual Polo for a Purpose will take place at the National Polo Center. Pivotal funds are raised, and fun is had at this annual event supporting South Florida families fighting pediatric cancer. Together, a meaningful night is orchestrated in the heart of the polo community for a worthy cause.
This year, ticket holders for the event will celebrate in a Japanese inspired theme ‘Land of the Rising Sun’ with cultural attire suggested. With more than $2.71 million raised to help local families struggling with a pediatric diagnosis, Polo for Life will continue its legacy of standing with some of the 10,000 children in the U.S. who are estimated to be diagnosed with cancer under the age of 15 each year.
Serving as co-chairs are Christine Aylward, Montana Coady, Rob Gray, Alex Hammer, Benjamin Randall, Rita A. Reik, MD, and PJ Rizvi with Brandon Phillips serving as honorary chair.
Offering guests a memorable experience and way to help others in need, the 10th Annual Polo for a Purpose’s exhibition polo match will formally kick off at 5:00 p.m. on Friday, March 7, 2025, at the National Polo Center (3667 120th Ave South, Wellington, FL.) followed by an authentic Japanese dinner, exciting live auction, and entertainment surprises throughout the night.
Polo for Life encourages the community to take part and bid during the live auction and support this special event that makes a huge positive impact. Monies raised support local families through donations to Baptist Health South Florida, Kid’s Cancer Foundation and Pediatric Oncology Support Team. To donate or purchase event tickets online please click here.
Polo for Life was founded by Brandon Phillips, a professional polo player who has won many of the sport’s most prestigious tournaments. However, winning tournaments is not the biggest victory he has achieved–surviving stage 4 non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma is. Phillips was just 14 years old when diagnosed with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma and given a prognosis of six weeks to live. He endured five grueling months of intensive chemotherapy sessions yet never lost his spirit nor accepted death as an option. He beat the odds, went into remission, and vowed to dedicate his life to polo and his desire to help families facing the dreadful challenge of surviving childhood cancers. Polo for Life, Inc. raises money to help pediatric cancer patients and their families from diagnosis and treatment to survivorship and long-term follow-up. By partnering with South Florida organizations, Polo for Life provides financial assistance so families can remain in their homes, be confident they will have food to survive, and overcome financial hardships that come with a pediatric cancer diagnosis. It has donated more than $2.7 million since its founding.
Application Deadline is February 10 for Theater/Journalism Students in Broward, Miami-Dade, and Palm Beach Counties
(South Florida – January 16, 2025) Gary Schweikhart, board president of the Carbonell Awards, South Florida’s Theatre & Arts Honors, today reminded college-bound high school students that the nonprofit organization is now accepting applications for its 2025 Jack Zink Memorial Student Scholarships. The deadline to apply is Monday, February 10, 2024. Since 1978, the Carbonell Awards has given out more than $130,000 in scholarships to winning applicants.
The selection of scholarship recipients is based on talent, experience and demonstrated commitment to theater and/or journalism, with one winner from each of the three area counties (Broward, Miami-Dade, Palm Beach) receiving a $2,000 scholarship.
The selection process is chaired by Carbonell Vice President Javier Siut, a member of the Miami-Dade County Department of Cultural Affairs.
· Applicant must be a graduating high school senior with a minimum 2.5 GPA.
· Applicant must be a resident of Broward, Miami-Dade or Palm Beach County.
· Applicant must be nominated by a mentor from school or theatre (no parents and no self-nominations).
· If selected, the applicant must be accepted into College to pursue a degree in theatre or journalism.
Timeline:
· Completed application must be submitted no later than February 10, 2025.
· The interview/audition for scholarship finalists will be held in mid-March. Date and location will be announced soon.
· The three winning scholarship winners will be honored at the annual Carbonell Awards Celebration on November 17, 2025, at the FAU University Theatre in Boca Raton.
About the Jack Zink Memorial Scholarships:
The scholarship is named for Jack Zink (1947-2008) who was a major voice in South Florida entertainment coverage for more than three decades. During his long career, he was employed as entertainment editor, columnist, critic and reporter at each of South Florida’s major newspapers: The South Florida Sun-Sentinel, The Miami Herald, The Palm Beach Post & Evening Times, and The Fort Lauderdale News. Mr. Zink was the founder and a past president of the Carbonell Awards, a past president of The American Theatre Critics Association, and was a recipient of both the Sun-Sentinel’s Fred Pettijohn Award, which is given annually to the newspaper’s top reporters, and South Florida’s prestigious George Abbott Award for Outstanding Achievement in the Arts.
About The Carbonell Awards:
The Carbonell Awards fosters the artistic growth of professional theater in South Florida by celebrating the diversity of our theater artists, providing educational scholarships, and building audience appreciation and civic pride by highlighting achievements of our theater community. More than 30 professional theater companies in Broward, Miami-Dade and Palm Beach counties participate in the annual awards process. The Carbonell Awards also celebrate the accomplishments of local artistic leaders by presenting several Special Awards.
Along with New York’s Drama Desk and Chicago’s Joseph Jefferson Awards, the Carbonell Awards are among the nation’s senior regional arts awards and predate others, including Washington, D.C.’s Helen Hayes Awards. The Carbonell Awards are named after Manuel Carbonell, an internationally renowned sculptor, who designed the original solid bronze and marble award in 1976, the signature trophy that is still given annually to Carbonell Award winners. Over the last 47 years, the Carbonell family has donated more than $250,000 in awards. For more information, please visit www.carbonellawards.org.
Free, in-person festival with activities for all ages to celebrate and learn about Florida manatees
WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (Jan. 22, 2025) — Manatee Lagoon – An FPL Eco-Discovery Center® is hosting its ninth annual ManateeFest on Saturday, Feb. 1 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. ManateeFest 2025 attendees can enjoy free, family-friendly activities that celebrate Florida’s iconic manatees and local waterways.
“For the ninth year in a row, ManateeFest will bring together locals and visitors alike to celebrate the beloved Florida manatee,” said Rachel Shanker, manager of education and conservation for Manatee Lagoon. “FPL constructed Manatee Lagoon nine years ago to inspire communities to preserve and protect Florida’s wildlife for future generations. We hope ManateeFest 2025 plays a key role in doing just that by raising awareness around manatees.”
During the event, guests can visit the Conservation Pledge Station and make a pledge to help protect manatees and their habitat. Guests are also welcome to interact with environmental exhibitors, help Mia the Manatee complete her conservation challenge by participating in “Mia’s Conservation Mission,” and listen to educational presentations throughout the day.
ManateeFest 2025 Activities
Family Fun for All Ages:
Manatee enthusiasts can dive into a world of excitement with:
Outdoor games like cornhole
Beach cleanup activity
Passport activity
Face painting
Giant sea-life puzzles
Selfie station with Mia
Local Shops and Eats:
Visitors can explore and support a variety of small local businesses
Enjoy a delicious array of food options along your journey through ManateeFest
Relaxation Stations:
Find tranquility and comfort at ManateeFest’s special relaxation spots – located at the large, clear tent – featuring:
Tropical ambiance and comfortable Adirondack chair seating
About Manatee Lagoon – An FPL Eco-Discovery Center®
Manatee Lagoon – An FPL Eco-Discovery Center® is a free Palm Beach County educational attraction with a dedicated area to view manatees up close. The 16,000-square-foot center features engaging, hands-on exhibits for visitors to learn all about the unique creatures as well as the natural wonders of the surrounding Lake Worth Lagoon. During the colder winter months, the facility’s observation deck is the ideal spot to view manatees basking in the clean, warm-water outflows from Florida Power & Light Company’s adjacent Riviera Beach Next Generation Clean Energy Center. Manatee Lagoon also offers digital resources and educational virtual content for manatee fans near and far on its website: VisitManateeLagoon.com.
The center is open seven days a week, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., except for major holidays, through manatee season, which runs Nov. 15 through March 31, 2025. Manatee Lagoon is open the rest of the year Tuesday through Sunday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Boca West Cares Hope Week Steering Committee 2023-2024
BOCA RATON, FL, January 27, 2025 – More than 300 Hundred volunteers from Boca West Country Club will donate more than 10,000 hours during the Third Annual Hope Week, January 27-February 2, held by the Boca West Cares Initiative. A number of local charities will be recipients of Hope Week including the Boca West Chapter of The Pap Corps, Gilda Mallin Boca West Chapter of Hadassah, Fuller Center, Habitat for Humanity-Greater Palm Beach County, Literacy Coalition of Palm Beach County, Place of Hope-The Leighan & David Rinker Campus, Boca Helping Hands, Tri-County Animal Rescue, Boca West Children’s Foundation, and the Lynn Cancer Institute – Boca Raton Regional Hospital.
“Boca West is dedicated to serving our local community and Hope Week gives our club members the opportunity to learn about a number of non-profits while making a difference,” said Matthew Linderman, CCM, President, COO and General Manager of Boca West Country Club. “Club members often ask how they can serve the local community and are so grateful for the opportunity to participate in Hope Week.”
Here’s what Boca West Country Club members will be doing for each non-profit:
Monday, January 27, 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. – Gilda Mallin Boca West Chapter of Hadassah, Fazio Room, Boca West Country Club Golf & Activities Center
Volunteers will make items for Fuller Center and Place of Hope (The Leighan and David Rinker Campus), as well as Gandel Rehabilitation Center and Hadassah Hospital in Israel.
Monday, January 27, 1-4 p.m.—Boca West Children’s Foundation, Dye Room, Boca West Country Club Golf & Activities Center
Volunteers will sort, label and pack backpacks with school supplies.
Tuesday, January 28, 3-5 p.m.—Fuller Center, 200 N.E. 14th Street, Boca Raton (East Campus)
Volunteers will create inspirational bracelets with the Center’s after school students. The bracelets, filled with well wishes, will be given to patients at Lynn Cancer Institute.
Wednesday, January 29, 11:15 a.m.- 1 p.m.—Literacy Coalition of Palm Beach County, Blue Lake Elementary School, 799 Banyan Trail, Boca Raton
Volunteers will read one on one or with a small group of elementary students and participate in activities with the kids. The kids will get to keep a copy of the book and take home the activity.
Thursday, January 30, 7:30 a.m.- 2 p.m.–Habitat for Humanity Home Build—Greater Palm Beach County, South Bay
Members will work alongside Habitat families on a fencing project.
Thursday, January 30, 1-4 p.m.—Place of Hope, The Leighhan & David Rinker Campus, 21441 Boca Rio Road, Boca Raton
Volunteers will sort and organize clothing, children’s items, diapers and more to be distributed to the children as well as clean out the non-perishable food pantry.
Friday, January 31, 9 a.m.-noon—Boca West Chapter of The Pap Corps, Palmer Room, Golf & Activities Center, Boca West Country Club
Volunteers will make decorative centerpieces for an upcoming card party.
Volunteers will pack non-perishable items in pantry bags and boxes, as well as stock and sort food.
Saturday, February 1, 9 a.m.-noon—Habitat for Humanity Home ReStore—Greater Palm Beach County, 1900 N. Federal Highway, Delray Beach
Volunteers will sort donations.
Saturday, February 1, 9 a.m.-noon—Tri-County Animal Rescue, 21287 Boca Rio Road, Boca Raton
Volunteers will participate in an orientation class, then walk, sit with, hold and read to dogs.
Sunday, February 2. 8 a.m. – 1 p.m.—Lynn Cancer Institute, Boca Raton Regional Hospital, (Cancer Legacy Day), 701 N.W. 13th Street, Boca Raton
Volunteers will put together a box breakfast to be served following the Run for the Ribbons, assist cancer patients and their families with tile painting for the Cancer Legacy Day Tile Painting Celebration, which celebrates cancer patients, and give out wellness bracelets made by Fuller Center kids.
“Over the past several months, we have worked closely with the charities to develop Hope Week 2025. Each charity has identified unique member engagement opportunities to enable our members who often ask how they can get involved, to learn about the charity and volunteer,” said Danny Schulman, Hope Week Chairman.
Hope Week Steering Committee members include Matthew Linderman, CCM President, COO & General Manager of Boca West Country Club, Danny Schulman, Steering Committee Chairman and Board of Governors, Jeanine Banks, Chairman of the Board, Steve Roth, Steering Committee Vice Chair and Board of Governors. Staff participants include Christina Guilanti, Director of Activities and Kathy Kohlhepp, Director of Communications and Marketing.
About Boca West Country Club Located in the heart of Boca Raton, Florida, Boca West Country Club is a private, resident-only, luxury country club community. With four championship golf courses, an award-winning USTA tennis facility, a new 110,000 square foot Lifestyle Center with five pools, a luxurious spa, seven renowned restaurants, and an active social community – all surrounded by 1,400 acres of lush, tropical landscaping – Boca West Country Club offers an incomparable lifestyle and impeccable service.
Boca West Country Club is honored to be a Platinum Clubs of the World by Club Leaders Forum since 2017; has received a 5-Star Private Club ranking by Platinum Clubs of America since 1997; has been recognized since 2013 as a Distinguished World Club by BoardRoom magazine; is a 2013 USTA Outstanding Facility Award winner; and was honored with the 2019 AGM Platinum Award by the Association of Golf Merchandisers and 2019 South Florida PGA Merchandise of the Year – Private Award. For more information, visit bocawestcc.org. To inquire about club membership, call (561) 488-6934
For more information, visit bocawestcc.org. To inquire about membership, please call 561.488.6934.
A hotly contested final between Zapican BMW and Concord Equity Group was played on Field One at the National Polo Center in Wellington this past Sunday.
In front a large crowd, the BMW team made up of Vance Miller, Stevie Orthwein, Nachi Viana and Santi Wulff defeated Dana Barnes, Nico Escobar, Lucas Escobar and Jeff Hall playing for Concord Equity Group 10-8.
Nachi Viana won both MVP and Best Playing Polo honors.
